Twitter Search gives users web based access to searching tweets on Twitter without the use of an application. If you are not a heavy Twitter user the advanced options might not matter, but if you are a business maintaining or building a brand then these are very useful tools in your social media marketing toolbox.

Over the next couple of posts I’m going to outline a few of the operators, their applications and how I would use them in different marketing functions.

Hastags
These are simple searches that require only that a hash (#) be added to your search term. From a branding perspective, the hashtags can be added to your company name, product or service, making it easier for people to find your specific message. For example, you launch a new product and would like it to be be indexed in the Twittersphere, so you add aHashtag hashtag. When people become interested and they search for your company, product or service they search the hashtag and the search will include all mentions with that hashtag. Likewise you can search all mentions of your company, product or service by searching the respective hashtag and you will see also mentions thereof in the Twittersphere.

What makes this useful is that you can track your message as well as the buzz by simply adding #. Try the search for #MTN and see what buzz or concerns are being mentioned.

The process of manually entering your search each time, as mentioned above, can be time consuming especially if you have a range of search terms. Twitter has provided a solution to this, by creating an RSS feed for your search query. All you have to do is click on the “Feed for this query” button and select the reader of your choice. You will be updated of any new tweets via your feed reader.

To manage what is being said about your company, it products and service delivery is very important and can prevent serious damage to your brand like the Dell Hell incident.

For a bit of a test of your brands try searching your brand name/product followed by #fail and see what is revealed.

It is always good to know what is being said, it gives you the opportunity to react and ensure that you maintain your reputation online. Try Twitter Search and get involved.